Bhojpuri star Pawan Singh returns to NDA fold

By FnF Correspondent | PUBLISHED: 30, Sep 2025, 18:16 pm IST | UPDATED: 30, Sep 2025, 18:16 pm IST

Bhojpuri actor and singer Pawan Singh is likely to try his luck in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. On Tuesday, Singh met Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP) chief Upendra Kushwaha and senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Vinod Tawde in the national capital, sparking fresh political discussions. Speaking to the media after the meeting, Tawde confirmed that Pawan Singh has always been a part of the BJP and will continue to remain with it. "Singh has received blessings from Upendra Kushwaha and will actively work as a BJP leader in the upcoming elections," Tawde added.

The Bhojpuri actor's move towards politics is being seen as a significant development ahead of the Bihar elections. Known for his massive popularity among Bhojpuri-speaking voters, Singh's presence is expected to energise BJP workers and boost the party's campaign. However, in the last Lok Sabha elections, Pawan Singh's decision to contest as an independent candidate from Karakat was seen as the main reason behind Upendra Kushwaha's defeat. The Rajput community did not extend support to Kushwaha, which had an impact on several neighbouring constituencies as well. In reaction to the Rajputs not siding with him in Karakat, Kushwaha voters in nearby areas distanced themselves from NDA candidates. This reportedly led to significant losses for the BJP in Shahabad and adjoining regions.

The meeting was apparently aimed at placating Kushwaha, a Rajya Sabha member, amid the possibility of Singh contesting the upcoming assembly polls. A BJP member, the popular Bhojpuri singer was first fielded from Asansol in West Bengal in 2024 but the party nudged him to withdraw following allegations that his music video and songs depicted Bengali women in a vulgar manner. After the party refused to field him from Bihar, Singh, a Rajput, contested from Karakat seat as an independent. A section of upper castes, especially Rajputs, rallied behind him, drawing backlash from Kushwahas in the region and causing the BJP-led NDA to lose a few seats. Kushwaha himself came third in the seat won by the CPI(ML).

Bihar Assembly Elections 2025

It is to be noted here that the Legislative Assembly election for all 243 constituencies in Bihar is scheduled to be held in November this year, although dates are yet to be announced by the Election Commission. The previous assembly elections were held in October–November 2020. After the election, the National Democratic Alliance formed the state government, with nitish kimar becoming Chief Minister. Later, in August 2022 ,Nitish Kumar-led JD(U) snapped ties with NDA and formed the government with RJD-led Mahagathbandhan. Later, in January 2024, Nitish Kumar-led JD(U) snapped ties with RJD-led Mahagathbandhan and again formed the government with BJP-led NDA.